1941 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon

The Ford Deluxe came equipped with a six-cylinder engine that produced 90 horsepower. For an additional $15, an eight-cylinder unit could be installed. The eight-cylinder unit was also rated at 90 horsepower. The base configuration was the two-door coupe with seating for three which carried a sticker price of $730. The top-of-the-line Deluxe was the four-door station wagon with seating for six which cost $965. The addition of options would drive the price even further. Still, compared with other vehicles at the time, the Ford Deluxe was a bargain.

Railroads were spreading across the country and resort and hotels needed a means for transporting the passengers and their luggage to and from the Railroad depot hacks. The 'depot hack' was the solution. The original depot hacks were horse-drawn wagons with seating to carry the passengers and a canvas covering to protect them from the elements. The wagons were later replaced with automobiles. Their body designs were often referred to as Express Wagons, Wagonette, Depot Wagon and Depot Hacks. The design with opposed seating depot hacks were dubbed 'Jitneys'.

As the automobile began to evolve, so did the hacks. Due to limited horsepower in the early 1900's, the vehicles could only carry a small amount of weight. Some times, it was more practical to use the horse-drawn carriage. To help in the reduction of automobile weight, the designs were simple, often void of features that provided comfort. As automobile production progressed, so did the capabilities and possibilities for the hacks. Features were added that focused on safety and comfort. The quality and craftsmanship improved.

Auto manufacturers offered these depot hacks and station wagons as special orders. Independent body builders were then contracted to manufacturer and assembly the items. One such builder was the Hercules Mfg. Company of Evansville, IN. Many times, the bodies were manufactured in 'knock-down' form and later assembled at the automobile dealer location. The alternative was to have the manufacturer ship the chassis and the body builder would then assemble the vehicle 'in-house'.

The bodies were comprised of wood usually ash, maple or oak. The popular choice for panels and trim consisted of cherry, birch, basswood, and/or mahogany.

Up to the late 1920's, wood bodied vehicles were mostly used for work vehicles such as trucks. Body construction was typically square and provided adequate space for most purposes. They were built for function rather than comfort. By the 1930's, the Woodie became a status symbol. The designs and craftsmanship excelled at a whole new level. Most of the woodie bodies were applied to wagons though some were placed on sedans and convertibles such as the Sportsman and Town and Country.

The 1941 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon Woody show was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, Ca. It was expected to sell between $75,000-$100,000. The woodwork had been replaced around 1995 and is said to be rust free and in excellent running condition. At auction the lot was sold for $74,250.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006